PROCEDURE FOR BED BUGS
Actual bed bug infestations in schools are uncommon; a few bugs do not indicate an infestation. However bed bugs can occasionally travel to school from an infested home in backpacks or in student clothing. The following procedure should be followed if a bed bug is found at school.
BED BUGS IN A CLASSROOM OR ON A STUDENT
· Use a piece of tape to preserve the bug and place in a plastic bag. Have a knowledgeable staff member identify it. If you have a question, call the Nurse of the Day at 242-2615.
· Discreetly remove the student from the classroom. Have the school nurse or knowledgeable staff member examine the student’s clothing and other belongings for the presence of bed bugs or eggs. Remove and collect the bug(s) found for identification.
Student, Family and Community Support Department 2015-2016 School Health Manual
· STUDENTS SHOULD NOT BE EXCLUDED FROM SCHOOL
· If a bed bug is confirmed, the school principal or school nurse should contact the parents/guardians and inform them of the presence of bed bug(s) and what steps to take. Provide attached educational materials to the student’s parent/guardian. Additional materials can be found at the following websites:
o http://www.sfdph.org/dph/EH/Housing/BedBugs.asp
o http://www.cdph.ca.gov/healthinfo/discond/pages/bedbugs.aspx
· In the case of a suspected bed bug infestation, consider using the attached letter in multiple languages to notify the other parents/guardians in that classroom.
· Families may also contact SF Department of Public Health - Environmental Health staff for information regarding their place of residence by dialing 311, going online at http://www.sf311.org or calling 415-252-3800.
· If multiple bed bugs are found in the classroom notify the Director of Custodial Services at 695-5535 for recommendations regarding classroom management of bed bugs. Any pest management that includes the use of chemicals must conform to the school’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan. Custodial Services will make arrangements with the District’s pest management contractor to visit the site and determine if the situation warrants further action.
BED BUG PREVENTION AT SCHOOL
Backpacks and clothing traveling between home and school can be separated, e.g. kept on hooks or in plastic containers or bags.
Student, Family and Community Support Department 2015-2016 School Health Manual